# AMPP CIP Level 2 exam-day sheet

Source: https://coatmentor.com/learn/exam-day/cip-2/ · Updated 2026-10-04

The rules and numbers for this exam, on one page you can print. Each section links to the page that explains it.

[Download the PDF](https://coatmentor.com/learn/exam-day/coatmentor-exam-day-cip-2.pdf) [Sheets for the other exams](https://coatmentor.com/learn/exam-day/)

## Film thickness

| Dry from wet | `DFT = WFT × VS ÷ 100` |
| --- | --- |
| Wet from dry | `WFT = DFT × 100 ÷ VS` |
| Wet from dry, with thinner | `WFT = DFT × (100 + thinner %) ÷ VS` |
| Theoretical spreading rate | `m²/L = 10 × VS % ÷ DFT µm` |
| Spreading rate, US units | `ft²/US gal = 1604 × VS % ÷ 100 ÷ DFT mils` |
| Units | 1 mil = 25.4 µm · °F = °C × 9 ÷ 5 + 32 |

More: [volume solids](https://coatmentor.com/learn/volume-solids/) · [calculators](https://coatmentor.com/calculators/)

## Conditions

- Steel at least **3 °C above the dew point** during blasting, application and early cure (SSPC-PA 1 gives 5 °F); many specifications also cap relative humidity, often at 85 %.
- Read the steel temperature on the surface you will coat, with a contact thermometer.

More: [dew point and the 3 °C margin](https://coatmentor.com/learn/dew-point/)

## Dry film thickness

- **SSPC-PA 2, Level 3 (the default):** a spot is the average of 3 or more readings in a 4 cm circle; single readings are not restricted. An area is 5 spots in about 10 m². Each spot average at least 80 % of the minimum and at most 120 % of the maximum; each area average within the range.
- **ISO 19840:** mean ≥ nominal; every reading ≥ 80 % of nominal; fewer than 20 % of readings between 80 % and 100 %; none above the maximum. Subtract 10, 25 or 40 µm for a fine, medium or coarse profile (25 µm if unknown).
- Gauges: magnetic and eddy-current gauges read over metal; ultrasonic gauges read over concrete and can separate layers. The Tooke gauge (ASTM D4138) reads each coat in a precise angled cut, so it is destructive.

More: [SSPC-PA 2](https://coatmentor.com/standards/sspc-pa-2/) · [ISO 19840](https://coatmentor.com/standards/iso-19840/)

## Adhesion

- Pull-off (ISO 4624, ASTM D4541): report the stress and the failure mode: adhesive, cohesive or glue. A glue failure means the coating is at least as strong as the reading.
- Cross-cut (ISO 2409): 0 (nothing detached) to 5, for films up to about 250 µm. ASTM D3359 runs the other way: 5B is best. Thicker films: X-cut (ISO 16276-2) or pull-off.

More: [adhesion testing](https://coatmentor.com/learn/adhesion-testing/) · [ISO 16276](https://coatmentor.com/standards/iso-16276/)

## Cure

- Solvent-borne (ethyl silicate) inorganic zinc cures with moisture from the air; dry air slows it. Check it with the MEK double-rub test (ASTM D4752) before topcoating. Water-borne (alkali silicate) types cure as the water evaporates; high humidity slows them.
- Organic coatings: solvent rub, hardness and the data sheet's checks. Wash off amine blush before overcoating.

More: [cure and recoat](https://coatmentor.com/learn/cure-and-recoat/) · [ASTM D4752](https://coatmentor.com/standards/astm-d4752/)

## Galvanizing and cathodic protection

- Hot-dip galvanizing (ISO 1461, ASTM A123): thickness by magnetic gauge over reference areas; the minimum local and mean values depend on the steel thickness. Before painting (ASTM D6386): clean, then sweep blast or treat the zinc.
- Cathodic protection: a common criterion is −850 mV or more negative against a copper/copper sulfate electrode (NACE SP0169, ISO 15589-1). Too much protection, or an unsuitable coating, can cause cathodic disbondment.
- Holiday testing (NACE SP0188): low-voltage wet sponge for films of 500 µm (20 mils) or less, high-voltage DC for thicker films, at the voltage the film thickness calls for. Too high a voltage damages sound film. Mark, repair and re-test every holiday.

More: [ISO 1461](https://coatmentor.com/standards/iso-1461/) · [cathodic protection](https://coatmentor.com/learn/cathodic-protection/)

## Corrosivity

ISO 12944-2: C1 (very low) to C5 (very high) and CX (extreme) in the atmosphere; Im1 fresh water, Im2 sea or brackish water without cathodic protection, Im3 soil, Im4 sea or brackish water with cathodic protection.

More: [corrosivity categories](https://coatmentor.com/learn/corrosivity-categories/)

## Concrete

- Profile: ICRI CSP 1 to 10, compared or measured with replica putty (ASTM D7682).
- Moisture: plastic sheet (ASTM D4263), calcium chloride emission (ASTM F1869) or in-situ RH probes (ASTM F2170).

## Practical exam

Eight instrument stations, up to 8 minutes each, scored out of 100. The eddy-current DFT gauge carries 20 points, the Paint Inspection Gauge and pull-off 15 each.

More: [the eight stations](https://coatmentor.com/practical/#cip2)

## Stop and ask

- Steel less than 3 °C above the dew point, or humidity above the specification's limit.
- Salts, dust or oil above the limits: soluble salts (ISO 8502-6 and -9), dust (ISO 8502-3), compressed air (blotter test, ASTM D4285).
- Mixed paint past its pot life, or a recoat window passed without the preparation the data sheet asks for.
- A hold point not yet released: stop until it is released. Work past an unreleased hold point, or work that does not meet the specification: record a nonconformance.

More: [hold points](https://coatmentor.com/learn/hold-points/) · [reports and NCRs](https://coatmentor.com/learn/inspection-reports/)